Inattention and hyperactivity dimensions of ADHD are associated with different personality profiles.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that individuals with ADHD have high scores in novelty seeking and harm avoidance. However, it is not known whether personality is associated with specific subtypes and dimensions of the disorder. The aim of this study is to test for associations between scores in the temperament and character inventory of C.R. Cloninger with adult ADHD subtypes and severity.

SAMPLING AND METHODS

The diagnostic interviews of 296 adult ADHD patients followed the DSM-IV criteria. ADHD dimensions were evaluated with the SNAP-IV scores, and personality dimensions were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory.

RESULTS

The combined subtype (n=168) was associated with higher scores in novelty seeking (p<0.001) and lower scores in cooperativeness (p=0.006) than the inattentive subtype (n=128). Higher inattention scores were associated with decreased self-directedness (p<0.001) and increased harm avoidance (p=0.02), whereas higher hyperactivity/impulsivity scores correlated positively with novelty seeking (p<0.001) and persistence (p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that personality dimensions are strongly correlated with ADHD subtypes and severity dimensions, pointing to the need for studies evaluating the mechanisms behind this association.